Tamoxen
Form: Tablet
Strength: 10mg
Generic Name: Tamoxifen
Company: General Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
MRP:৳ 10.0 (Tablet)
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
Tamoxen is used for treating breast cancer and infertility.
Pharmacology
Tamoxen is a non-steroidal drug that works as both an estrogen blocker and a mild estrogen-like agent in some tissues. For breast cancer, Tamoxen mainly works by blocking estrogen from binding to its receptor on the tumor cells. Tamoxen also helps maintain bone density in post-menopausal women.
Dosage & Administration
Breast cancer: Take 20 mg daily.
Infertility: Take 20 mg daily on days 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the cycle. If needed, the dose may be increased to 40 mg and then 80 mg for following cycles. If cycles are irregular, start the first course on any day, with the next course starting 45 days later or on day 2 if menstruation happens.
Interaction
When taken with blood-thinning drugs like coumarins, Tamoxifen can increase the blood-thinning effect. If used with chemotherapy drugs, there is a higher risk of blood clotting events.
Contraindications
Tamoxen should not be used during pregnancy. Tamoxen should also be avoided by those who are allergic to any of its ingredients.
Side Effects
Common side effects include hot flashes, vaginal bleeding, and discharge. Some may also experience nausea, headache, dizziness, or fluid retention. In rare cases, there may be skin rashes, eye problems, and changes in blood cells. Tamoxen can also cause liver issues and increase blood triglycerides in some patients.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Tamoxen must not be used during pregnancy. There have been reports of miscarriage, birth defects, and fetal deaths, although no direct link has been found. Women taking Tamoxifen should avoid pregnancy and use non-hormonal contraception. Tamoxen may harm the baby if taken during pregnancy or within two months after stopping treatment.
Lactation: Tamoxen is unknown if Tamoxifen passes into breast milk, so Tamoxen should be avoided during breastfeeding. A doctor should decide whether to stop the medication based on the benefits to the mother.
Precautions & Warnings
Tamoxen may stop periods in some premenopausal women. Tamoxen has also been linked to an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Any unusual gynecological symptoms, like abnormal bleeding, should be investigated immediately. While on Tamoxifen, be aware of a higher risk of secondary cancers or new tumors, although there is no proven cause-and-effect relationship.
Overdose Effects
N/A
Therapeutic Class
Hormonal Chemotherapy
Storage Conditions
Store between 20-25°C, away from light.
Similar Brands of Tamoxifen (Tablet – 10mg)
| Brand Name | Form | Strength | Company | MRP (৳) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G Tamoxifen | Tablet | 10mg | Gonoshasthaya Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 6.0 |
| Tamodex 10 | Tablet | 10mg | Drug International Ltd. | 10.0 |
| Tamona 10 | Tablet | 10mg | Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 10.07 |
| Tamoral | Tablet | 10mg | Techno Drugs LTD. | 10.0 |
| Tamoxi 10 | Tablet | 10mg | Beacon Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 8.0 |